The iconic London skyline gives joy to millions – and it will soon be giving another major boost to the rail freight sector. A new deal between DB Cargo and the Day Group sees the continued movement into the capital of concrete ‘ingredients’ used in major construction projects.

With more than 15 train services a week planned, the 10-year contract represents another significant modal shift, keeping the equivalent of around 190 lorry loads a day off the congested roads of South East England. DB Cargo is providing rail services that move sea-dredged aggregates from Cliffe in Kent to depots in and around London.

Modal shift

The aggregates – essentially mined materials such as sand, gravel and crushed stone – are used for the production of concrete and in general construction. The material is currently being used to support high profile construction projects in London including the Battersea Power Station development and the London Underground Northern Line extension.

Additional services move incinerator bottom ash from the Day Group’s energy-to-waste plant at Newhaven on the south east coast to Brentford, west London, where the material is processed into aggregates for use in construction. The train that delivers the ash is then reloaded with recycled aggregates for distribution from Newhaven. This provides an unusual two-way rail movement of bulk products and further increases the environmental benefits of rail transport.

High-capacity wagons

The contract includes growth in traffic volumes through additional services to new concrete plants and for further ash services. DB Cargo is also introducing high-capacity wagons to support the expected growth in volumes.

David Fletcher, Head of Construction at DB Cargo UK, said: “We are delighted that the long relationship between DB Cargo and Day Group has been renewed for another decade and we look forward to continuing to play a key part in the construction supply chain. The contract also strengthens DB Cargo UK’s market leading position.”

Nick Sadler, Operations Director at Day Group, added: “The strong relationship with DB Cargo is essential to our business and the flexibility of DB Cargo to meet the changing requirements of the South East construction market was key to the renewal of our contract.”

The DB Cargo UK website has more information about support for construction projects.